São Miguel is famous for its
beautiful landscapes and exceptional volcanic lakes. The largest of the Azorean
islands it is known as Ilhe Verde - Green Island. A stunning coastline of small
bays with black sand and precipitous sea cliffs interspersed with small
harbours add further interest. The island features three major calderas
(volcanic craters) now with lakes sparkling at the bottom. Sete Citdades even
has a village at the bottom of the crater and two lakes one blue and one contrasting
green.

At Lagoa das Furnas boiling
sulphurous water comes to the surface through hot springs near the lake and is
a reminder of the volcanic origin of all of the islands. The mountains rise to
over 1000m. As an example of São Miguel’s climate one finds the only tea and
pineapple plantations in Europe both well worth a visit on non-walking days.
Rarely could a visitor fail to be impressed by the incredible myriad of all the
different shades of greens exhibited by its extensive prairies forests tobacco
fields and tea plantations as well as the abundance of hues this island has to
offer.

The Walking

Three key walks take in the three largest volcanic
lakes. They are all very different in colour and terrain despite their common
origins and are scattered across the island.

Walk coastal paths linking fishing villages
interspersed by high cliffs or wind your way across emerald fields passing
through small villages with stunning sea views. There are plenty of
opportunities for a refreshing sea swim or a hot-pool bath.

A number of walks can be accessed by public
transport, others will require a taxi - our local representative will arrange
these for you upon request.

Guided Walking

Guided walks are available six days every week and
we include four walks during a seven night guided walking stay. Walks are from
4 - 9 miles in length and considered easy or moderate. We offer walks to the
three major volcanic lakes as well as coastal and rural walks. All have been
chosen to ensure the walker sees the best that São Miguel has to offer.

This hotel is well located near the harbour of Ponta Delgada. Local buses and the guided pick up point are very close. You can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dinner in the light and modern Atlantis Restaurant which serves a selection of local and international dishes.

Located in a quiet side street within the historical centre of Ponta Delgada yet within easy walking distance of all the places you would want to visit. The building originally housed a music school dating back to the 19th century and has retained many of the original features and atmosphere. You can enjoy your breakfast and dinner in the award winning A Colmeia Restaurant which features a stone arched ceiling and serves a signature cuisine made from locally grown ingredients.

The charming Art Deco Boutique hotel is located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada. The rooms are large with comfortable beds and luxurious bed linen. The partially covered outdoor swimming pool offers stunning views over the city, ocean and mountains. The Palm Terrace Restaurant has two modern dining rooms with an outdoor terrace serving seafood and Portuguese cuisine. There is also a Skylight Bar and Lounge where you can enjoy an after dinner cocktail.

Day 2
Take the bus (timetable provided) to
Furnas and walk to the Lagoa das Furnas. The walk starts and finishes in the attractive
village of Furnas, with an optional extra walk round the village at the end of
the main walk. Confirmation of the volcanic origins of São Miguel is nowhere
more evident than here. The picturesque Parque Terra Nostra is in the village
centre, together with thermal baths. Overnight São Miguel (HB - Half Board).

Day 3 Take the
bus (timetable provided) to Sete Cidades, set within the volcanic crater
containing Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, a must on any visit to São Miguel. One
route takes you up to the crater rim on the west side of the lakes, finally
descending to the small village of Joao Bom. Overnight São Miguel (HB).

Ascent: 480m. Descent: 510m.
Distance: 9 miles. Time: 4 hours.

Day 4 Take a day to relax and explore
this interesting island. Overnight
São Miguel (HB).

Day 5 Take the bus (timetable provided) to Povocao.
This walk takes you from almost sea level, steeply uphill across meadows,
through dense woodland, alongside a levada (water channel), and finally over
heather covered mountainside to arrive at the remote shore of Lagoa do Fogo,
the highest lake of São Miguel. Overnight São Miguel (HB).

Ascent: 610m. Descent: 610m.
Distance: 8 miles. Time: 4 hours.

Day 6 Take the bus (timetable provided) to Lomba da
Cruz. This is a real roller coaster of a
route, basically parallel with the main west coast road westwards, but lower
and nearer the sea. The views are best from Ginetes, and at Ponta do Esclavado. Overnight São Miguel
(HB).

Ascent:
350m. Descent: 450m. Distance: 9 miles. Time: 4 hours.

Day 7 Take a short taxi ride to Nine Windows
Wall where the route takes you around the east and north sides of the crater
rim of the twin lakes of Sete Cidade. After only a short climb the track
undulates along the ridge, affording splendid views on both sides. An option
exists to extend the walk to cover the west rim as well as far as Vista do Rei,
and then descend past Lagoa Verde to the village. Overnight São Miguel
(HB).

Walking is possible all year around in the Azores. Spring is
early so April and May are good times and Autumn extends into November. Being
islands in the middle of the Atlantic it does tend to rain with the wettest
months from October to March. The driest are July and August. There is only a
9°C variation (15 - 24°C) in average day time temperature between the coldest
and warmest months so it is never very cold nor are there any prolonged hot days.

There is a non-stop service from London to São Miguel. São
Miguel can also be reached from Lisbon on a non-stop regular basis with flights
connecting from a number of UK airports as well as from New York and Toronto.
There are also non-stop flights straight into São Miguel from Boston, Toronto
and Montreal.

São Miguel

·7 Nights accommodation in a standard room with
half board* (B&B on first night)

·Return transfers between São Miguel airport and
the hotel

·Our unique walking booklet written by one of
our team and local walking map

*Half
board is dinner, bed & breakfast

Optional:

·4 days guided walking is available at a
supplement (English speaking guide and transport included)

·‘With flights’ includes typical flight prices*
between London Gatwick and Ponta Delgada for São Miguel airport. Flights are
also available from many local airports (exact price for your dates available
on request).